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Monk seal from Big Island dies of injuries

A juvenile monk seal flown by the U.S. Coast Guard from the Big Island to to Oahu last Friday for medical treatment has died.

A necropsy conducted by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries revealed that the young male seal, known by his ID tags as RK68, suffered fractured ribs earlier in life, but ingestion of a fishing hook more recently is believed to be the cause of death.

Results of the necropsy reveal that the seal may have been hooked for several weeks or months. Officials believe had they received a detailed report of the hooking incident when it occurred, the chances of a life-saving response could have been much greater.

“Early reporting of a monk seal hooking can possibly mean the difference between life and death for one of these critically endangered animals,” said William J. Aila Jr., chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. “We rely on the community to be active and mindful stewards of our oceans. Had someone come forward, even anonymously, to report this hooking when it occurred, we may have been able to save his life.”

This was the first monk seal death of 2013 and the first from Hawaii Island according to available data. Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi has promised increased support from the county.

“We are sad to learn that Hawai‘i Island has had its first monk seal death resulting from a hooking,” Mayor Kenoi said. “We will be encouraging everyone to report any injured or distressed seals to DLNR, and the County will be adding more informational materials in all our parks to help alert residents and visitors to this situation.”

NOAA officials note that monk seal hookings appear to be increasing. There were nine reported hookings in 2011, none of which resulted in deaths. There were 15 hookings reported in 2012, resulting in three deaths. This incident marks the first seal death of 2013. Another seal was reported with a hook in its tongue Monday afternoon on Kauai. DLNR and NOAA Fisheries considers these numbers concerning.

The toll-free, 24/7 reporting hotline for all fishery interactions and other marine mammal incidents is 1-888-256-9840. DLNR and NOAA Fisheries urge all fishermen and other ocean users to write down this hotline and/or save it in their mobile phones for timely use whenever a seal is hooked or entangled.

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